Justice permanent secretary Jarun Pukditanakul yesterday suggested that in-car visual entertainment devices be banned whilst driving. His suggestion came after the cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft amendment which would prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving, a move aimed at reducing road accidents.
Mr Jarun said the proposed ban, which will be examined by the Council of State, should be extended to cover entertainment devices, especially in-car karaoke and television sets. He said using such entertainment devices while driving is probably more dangerous than using mobile phones.
Deputy city police chief Pol Maj-Gen Watjanont Thirawat said police and authorities concerned will work together to consider appropriate punishments for offenders. Under the proposed draft, violators of the ban would be subject to a 400 to 1,000 baht fine. (about £6.00 - 15.00)
Police spokesman Pol Lt-Gen Ronarong Yangyuen said the ban would not open a door for traffic police to take bribes or extort money from motorists. He said the ban was introduced for the safety of motorists and the public at large. He said the ban is not all-out and police would have to consider in what circumstances the use of mobile phones can be allowed. For example, motorists may use their handsets while their vehicles are not moving, he said.
Spotted in the Bangkok Post by our Far East correspondent.
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